Real Madrid v Dortmund – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Real Madrid hosts Dortmund This match is a repeat of last season’s final, where Los Blancos won 2-0. Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 1-0 to Lille on matchday one, while Dortmund has won 3-0 and 7-1 in their two European matches so far.

Real Madrid Form

After drawing two of their first three La Liga matches this season, Real Madrid won their next five fixtures in all competitions. This included a 3-1 win over Stuttgart on matchday one. A 4-1 win over Espanyol (4.46 xG & 31 shots) was followed by a 3-2 home win over Alavés.

Real Madrid dropped two points as a 95th-minute goal conceded led to a 1-1 draw away at Atletico Madrid. A 1-0 loss followed in France to Lille despite putting up 2.18 xG. A 2-0 home win over Villarreal before the FIFA break was followed by a 2-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti rotated his side for the last match. Luka Modric, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy were only used as substitutes ahead of this clash. Brahim Diaz is doubtful, and both Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are out with serious knee injuries.

Eduardo Camavinga and Modric could be benched in midfield, with Fede Valverde playing in a deeper role. Lucas Vázquez is set to deputize at right-back.

Real Madrid Motivation

Los Blancos will want a win here after dropping three points on matchday two. Ancelotti is expected to play an attacking game with his four big-name forwards starting.

Once leading, Real Madrid may drop off and play on the break, hoping to conserve some energy before facing Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday.

Dortmund Form

BVB’s form has been quite mixed. A 3-0 win away at Club Brugge on matchday one was followed by a shocking 5-1 defeat away to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Nuri Sahin’s side reacted strongly by beating Bochum 4-2 at home after being 2-0 down at 43 minutes.

On matchday two of the Champions League, they destroyed Celtic 7-1 at home, with Karim Adeyemi netting a hat-trick. Four days later, they produced just 0.74 xG in a 2-1 defeat away to Union Berlin in the league, highlighting their lack of consistency. On Saturday, they beat St. Pauli 2-1 at home with 20 shots and 2.95 xG from 75% possession.

Dortmund Team News

There are a few injury concerns for this match. Karim Adeyemi is ruled out with a hamstring problem, but Niklas Süle should shake off illness to be available.

Wingers Gio Reyna and Julien Duranville are injury concerns, as is Man City loanee Yan Couto at right-back. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is pushing to start on the left, which could see Marcel Sabitzer move into a central role, with Pascal Groß in danger of dropping to the bench.

Dortmund Motivation

This is a free hit for the German giants. They’re in a good position in the Champions League and can play to win in Spain.

Sahin’s side is very possession-focused and will try to keep the ball and dominate Madrid.

Key Stats

Real Madrid has lost just 2 of their last 22 UCL matches.

Real Madrid has conceded in 7 of their last 8 Champions League matches.

Dortmund has lost just 2 of their last 14 UCL matches (7 clean sheets, 9 wins).

Dortmund has conceded 2+ goals in each of their last 5 matches vs Real Madrid.

Dortmund’s Guirassy has scored 12 goals in his last 8 matches for club and country.

Verdict

An exciting game awaits in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid should score 2+ goals in a victory, but BVB has enough quality to score at least one goal.